ISLAMABAD: At present, 356 international transit passengers from Afghanistan are staying in different hotels of the capital, sources told Dawn.

Sources told Dawn the passengers include 125 Belgians, 62 Britons, 49 Dutch, 39 Afghans, seven Saudis, five Iranians, three Argentineans, 62 Japanese and four World Bank officials.

Most of these foreigners are diplomats who had been posted in Kabul, they said.

Britons, Dutch, Saudis and officials of World Bank are staying in Serena Hotel, while 25 and 14 Afghans are staying at Ramada and Islamabad Hotel respectively.

The Hill View Hotel is providing accommodation to 124 Belgians, while another Belgian is staying at Roomy Signatures, the sources said, adding that five Iranian are in Legend Hotel, while three Argentinean in Roomy Signatures.

Besides, 51 Japanese have been provided accommodation at Legend Hotel and 11 at Serena Hotel, they said.

As many as 668 international transit passengers were in the capital on Friday, followed by 507 on Saturday, 477 on Sunday and 484 on Monday, the sources said, adding that the arrival of these passengers to capital and departure to their native countries are continuing on daily basis.

Previously natives of other countries including Turkey, Sweden and Korea also arrived in the capital and departed to their home countries.

The capital police personnel have also been deployed at these hotels for the security of the foreigners, the sources said.

Besides, intelligence and vigilance have also been mounted in and around the hotels and in this regard the policemen in plain clothes are also performing duties, they added.

Published in Dawn, September 1st, 2021